GUIDELINES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL CLEANUP AFTER NATURAL DISASTERS

In recent times, many regions across Vietnam have been hit hard by abnormal floods and storms. When the waters recede, what's left behind is more than just mud and waste — hidden beneath is the threat of disease and the silent spread of pollution. Let’s explore and apply scientifically backed methods of environmental sanitation after natural disasters with GreenHub — to protect both our own health and the well-being of our communities.

💧  Safe Water Treatment

• Thoroughly clean all water containers, wells, and tanks.
• Clarify well water using alum and disinfect with Chloramine B (recommended concentration: 10g per 30 liters).
• If no disinfectants are available, only drink boiled water (boiled for at least 10 minutes)

🧹Cleaning the Surrounding Environment

• Clean up as soon as the water recedes: remove mud and trash, unclog drains, and fill stagnant puddles.
• Tidy up the house, dry out furniture and belongings to prevent mold and mosquito breeding. 
• Clean and repair toilets if they are only slightly damaged. If seriously damaged, stop using them immediately.
  Instead, use a neighbor’s functioning toilet or dig a temporary one at least 20 meters away from homes and wells. After use, cover with soil to prevent contact from insects and animals. Wait a few weeks before repairs.
• Disinfect areas that were heavily flooded or smell bad with lime powder or Chloramine B.

🐄 Handling of barns, waste and animal carcasses

• Collect and bury dead livestock and poultry in elevated areas, at least 0.8 meters deep and 50 meters away from water sources.
• After removing carcasses, disinfect the area by spraying disinfectant or applying lime powder.

>> Keeping the environment clean after a natural disaster not only helps restore daily life but is also the most practical way to protect community health.
Share this important knowledge with those around you!

[This post references the "Handbook on Water Treatment and Environmental Sanitation During Flood Season" – Health Environment Management Agency, Ministry of Health, 2020.]
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Green Development Support Center – GreenHub
🌿 Together for a Greener Vietnam
✉️ Email: info@greenhub.org.vn
🌎 Website: www.greenhub.org.vn